Here, you’ll find a library of blog posts dedicated to different aspects of the commercial construction industry -- news and updates, upcoming trends, and past projects built by us at The Douglas Company.
If you’ve been watching the senior living market lately, you’ve probably seen what we’re seeing: communities are filling up again — and fast. According to new data from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), occupancy for independent living just climbed past 90%, and assisted living isn’t far behind at 87.2%. Even […]
When choosing a general contractor, clients typically evaluate experience, cost, schedule, and reputation. But there’s another powerful factor worth considering: whether the contractor is employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Hiring an ESOP contractor such as The Douglas Company can bring meaningful advantages to your project—many of which directly impact the bottom line, […]
After serving in World War II, my grandfather spent four decades as a structural engineer in Washington, D.C. He knew his highest value to architects and owners was simple: design the most cost-effective structure that met the loads and the architect’s dimensional constraints. Night after night in his basement office, he hand-calculated structural steel members […]
Time is one thing construction teams always wish they had more of—and in preconstruction, it makes all the difference. When project managers are brought into the process early, it creates a foundation for smoother execution, stronger alignment, and fewer surprises once work is underway. From deeper relationship-building to clearer scopes and firmer schedules, early involvement […]
Last week, more than 3,000 professionals in the senior living world made their bi-annual pilgrimage to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) Conference, this time in Austin, TX. And while it felt like every guy in the room was wearing the same blue suit for three days straight, there were some […]
At The Douglas Company, we believe safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a responsibility. As a commercial general contractor with nearly five decades of experience, we understand the inherent risks that come with construction and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of construction safety on every project. Our comprehensive safety program begins long before the […]
As the Baby Boomer generation continues to enter retirement and Gen X isn’t far behind, senior living communities are facing a new kind of resident—one that is tech-savvy, lifestyle-driven, and looking for more than just a place to age. For developers and investors, the challenge (and opportunity) lies in designing communities that not only meet […]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative forces across nearly every industry—and construction is no exception. While AI may once have seemed like science fiction, today it is a very real and rapidly advancing tool that is changing the way projects are designed, managed, and executed. At The Douglas Company, we […]
In the world of construction, especially for general contractors in Ohio like The Douglas Company, a clean punch process is more than just a procedural detail—it’s a cornerstone of project success. For a construction company that has been in the industry for 47 years, such as The Douglas Company, understanding and implementing a streamlined punch […]
In the bustling world of construction, one principle stands out as crucial to project success: timely payments. For general contractors like The Douglas Company, whose experience spans 47 years in delivering top-notch senior living and multi-family housing projects across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida, prompt payment isn’t just a matter of good practice—it’s a strategic […]
When it comes to successful project development, timing is everything. One of the smartest decisions a developer can make is bringing a General Contractor (GC) onboard early in the process. This proactive step enables you to design your project to a budget, rather than struggling to force a completed design to align with your financial […]
As we settle into 2025, the question I hear most from clients—both current and prospective—is, “What’s happening with the construction market? Are prices trending up or down?” Frankly, it’s not a simple question to answer with certainty. Let’s dive into the trends and what they might mean for the year ahead. A Year of Mixed […]